Iran voices concern over situation in Ukraine

Iran's Foreign Ministry has voiced concern over the situation in Ukraine, saying foreign meddling worsens the violence in the country, PressTV reported.

"Foreign meddling in Ukraine's developments can deepen conflicts in the country and aggravate the situation," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said in a statement issued late on Thursday.

"We hope national reconciliation and understanding between the government and opposition are established as soon as possible and the country's current crisis comes to an end," Afkham added.

Her comments come as European Union foreign ministers have agreed to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials "responsible for violence and excessive force" against pro-EU protesters.

In an emergency meeting in Brussels on Thursday, the 28-nation bloc decided to impose sanctions against those behind the violence, including visa bans, asset freezes and restrictions on the export of anti-riot equipment.

The United States, which has already issued sanctions against around 20 senior Ukrainian officials, said it was "actively considering" a range of further punitive measures.

"The options available to the president are being considered with some urgency," said White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest.

Meanwhile, deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and Ukrainian police continued on Thursday.

The clashes continued despite the announcement of a truce between President Viktor Yanukovych and the main opposition leaders a day earlier.

According to the country's Health Ministry, at least 75 people, including police officers, have died since the latest round of violence broke out on Tuesday.

Ukraine has been rocked by anti-government protests since Yanukovych refrained from signing an Association Agreement with the EU on November 29 last year in favor of closer ties with Russia.